This week, we’re thrilled to announce that former Program Director, Ian McGroarty, has re-joined us on the ground in Peru. Some thoughts from his first week…
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My first week back on the ground with Alma has been inspiring.
We currently have excellent projects that are providing opportunities for students to reach new heights both academically and personally. We have implemented projects in new regions and built strong relationships with students, parents, teachers, and like-minded organizations. We have a lot going on — but more than anything, we have potential.
If you are reading this blog, I probably don’t have to explain how better education will directly improve the ability for our project participants to improve their economic standing and quality of life. But the most important effects of improving education may be those that come about indirectly. Teaching a child that four plus four equals eight is good. Teaching a child to ask why four plus four equals eight however, is transformational.
A simple addition problem can be memorized, but to examine what is happening when two fours are joined, what it means, and how it relates to everyday life, is to truly comprehend the idea and implementation of the lesson. Critical thinking, reasoning, creativity, and the habit of forever questioning both the obvious and the complex, form the necessary base to acquire and evaluate knowledge. From there the possibilities are endless.
In 2014, Alma is in a position to expand and develop new projects in new areas that will not only help students learn the basics needed to succeed academically, but also to dive deeper into the quality of education to push students to think critically and creativity.
It is a year of tangible and intangible growth, and I am inspired and excited about the possibilities.
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Welcome back, Ian!